Prepare for Retirement Early -- Be Prepared

Look to the Future and Plan for Retirement.

Be prepared for retirement before it happens, since it may not occur on your schedule. There are laws in place to prevent age discrimination but employers find ways to eliminate jobs of high earners who have been with the company for a long time, and they often offer early retirement carrots to encourage older folks to step aside. Don't get caught having to find another job at 60 -- it may be more difficult than you think.

Start early and make plans for the possibility of retirement by paying down debts and paying off the house. Be sure you own a good car since it may be more difficult to get a new one once you have no income. Think of something you like to do that will make some income each month and get started doing it to establish a business on your own. Develop new skills. Sell off items that cost money to maintain and save the money for retirement. Extra cars, boats, campers, equipment not being used and real estate that is not the homestead are some possibilities. Read more about preparing for retirement ten years early here.

Get your finances ready for retirement, and if the unexpected happens, you will be ready to enjoy your senior years without having to scrape and scramble.

See you soon!

Linda
cajunC

Senior Citizens Can Get Free Education

Senior citizens are often interested in learning, either to keep their minds sharp or for additional income. It is often not advertised, but many colleges and universities offer free education for senior citizens.  If you have a college or university in your area, contact the Registrar's Office and ask if there is a senior learning center, or if seniors may attend classes tuition-free. You can check on the internet, too, since several university websites show offers for free tuition for seniors.

Even if you do not qualify for tuition-free education, you may be able to stimulate your brain and learn through adult education courses.  These classes offer fun learning in subjects that are computer-related or even exercise.  Some adult education programs offer dance courses or even antiques and collectibles courses.  Some of these courses are very inexpensive, and are available through your community services.

We have an article about getting free education as a senior citizen that has other information for finding frugal or free avenues for learning.

There is more free learning available than the senior citizen has time.  Use it and keep your mind sharp.  Brain stimulation seems to prevent Alzheimer's, too. Stay healthy and happy with learning something new.

See you soon with more consumer fun.

Linda
cajunC